Ex-Manchester United teammates disagree on potential Ballon d’Or winner transfer

Andy Cole disagrees with his ex-United teammate on a potential signing that could solve the club’s goals scoring troubles.

Manchester United have been failing to find the back of the net regularly so far this season having only scored 24 goals in 21 Premier League games. Scott McTominay has proven himself to be an unlikely fruitful source of goals, being the top goalscorer for the club in the league, as United’s forward line has failed to get going.

Rasmus Højlund has struggled so far in his time at Old Trafford, and the agony on his face after spurned chances or the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford choosing different alternatives rather than passing to the Danish striker is a good descriptor of Erik the Hag’s sides faltering attacking output.

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To solve this issue, United are reported to be looking at bringing in a more senior striker to help Højlund shoulder the burden. Former Real Madrid talisman and Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema is said to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia and is looking for a move away.

Old Trafford is one of the potential locations for the Frenchman’s signature, but this proposed transfer has divided opinion with some ex-Red Devils.

Speaking to Betfred, Andy Cole who certainly knew where the goal thinks Benzema should be the latest big name up top for United when asked if the club should go for him.

“150%. I would sign him if it was only for a training session. I was very surprised when he left Real Madrid in the summer, but I understand why it happened. That money he’s earning in Saudi Arabia is generational wealth. It’s for his kids and his kids’ kids. When you’re at that age in your career, and you’ve already won four La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies and the Ballon d’Or, I can understand why he went to Saudi. 

“Could he do it in the Premier League at his age? 100% considering the way he looks after himself. If Manchester United have the opportunity to sign him, then they should definitely try and make that happen.”

Cole’s eagerness for The Reds to bring in Real Madrid’s former No. 9 is the polar opposite to the opinion of his former teammate Paul Parker who has labelled the potential move a “PR signing”.

Parker goes on to say, “Karim Benzema would be yet another step backwards,” however, Benzema’s vast expertise that comes with being one of the best strikers in the world in the past decade could be incredibly beneficial for a raw Højlund just at the start of his career at the elite level.